Each player has been penalised PKR 5 million (around US$18,000). The fines were not imposed for disciplinary violations but rather for what the board deemed substandard on-field performance during the tournament.
Pakistan’s campaign ended without a semifinal appearance, marking the fourth consecutive ICC men’s event in which the team failed to reach the last four, the first such run in the country’s cricket history.
The decision to fine the squad was reportedly taken immediately after Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India national cricket team in the group stage. Players were informed that the penalty could be waived if the team reached the semifinals, but that condition was ultimately not met.
Former Australian opener Usman Khawaja has strongly criticised the move, calling the punishment unmatched and counterproductive.
“I just heard that the Pakistani players got fined after the T20 World Cup. I didn't believe it at first, but it's on Cricinfo. It must be true. It's absolutely amazing that the PCB could think that this is a good idea [LAUGH],” Khawaja said.
Khawaja questioned the logic behind penalising players for losing matches, arguing that such decisions only increase pressure on the team.
“In what high-performance team in the entire world are players getting fined when they lose cricket games? They're not trying to lose cricket games. How do you even think that makes them perform better next time? All it does is put more pressure and more stress onto the players,” he added.
The Australian batter also highlighted the intense scrutiny Pakistan cricketers already face from fans and media.
“They’re under enough pressure. They're Pakistani players, the whole country is watching them. And now on top of that, you're fining them? It's absolutely shameful. I really feel for the Pakistani players,” Khawaja said.
He concluded by expressing disbelief at the decision, describing Pakistan cricket as unpredictable.
“Every time I think Pakistan’s not going to surprise me, they surprise me. It’s like a drama series, I can’t wait for the next episode.”
